First, let's congratulate both the Mavericks and the Nuggets for getting the playoff monkeys off their backs. The Dallas Mavericks have been terrible in the playoffs, exemplifying how to choke away basketball games the past three seasons. The Denver Nuggets? Well, let's just say Carmelo Anthony's got to be smiling now.
Star power for star power, we're about even. Chauncey Billups has the slight edge on Jason Kidd, that edge being he makes his jump shots, but Dirk Nowitzki is a beast. Numbers-wise, Dirk will be better than Melo, but you never know. It's pretty much a toss-up.
The supporting casts for both teams are pretty good as well. J.R. Smith has been huge for the Nuggets, but you've got to wonder how much longer he can keep his numbers like this. He's been known to be pretty streaky, so if he catches on fire, the Mavericks are going to be in trouble. On the other hand, Jason Terry is pretty consistent.. you know he's going to put up 17-20 points a game. Denver will have to keep an eye on him.
In the paint, the Nuggets definitely have the advantage. Kenyon Martin and Nene Hilario are playing inspired defense. They're moving their feet, getting good position.. it's going to be tough for Erick Dampier in there. Then again, Damp is a pretty big guy. It's a question of which Erick Dampier shows up. Oh, and Brandon Bass is a poor man's Paul Millsap. A very poor man's Millsap.
For the coaches? I don't really know. Rick Carlisle has to call every play, and George Karl is a little loopy. It's a crapshoot, really.
Prediction? As much as it hurts me to say this, Nuggets in 6. Dallas has a really bad history of choking.
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